Electric switch.



PATENTBD APR. 19, 1904.

F. HOPEWELL. ELECTRIUSWlTGH. APPLICATION. FILED 001:7, 190s.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1l N0 MODEL.

IL C1 P52 jeiz Zorn' MM KM das? PATIEIN'IED APR. 19, m1904.

C. R'HOPBWBLL. ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED ooT.7,19o3.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

N0 MODEL.

ZI/Znesses UNiTED STATES Patented April i9, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES F. HOPEWELL, OF CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO UNI SIGNAL COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 757,925, dated April 19, 1904.

Application filed ctober 7, 1903.

To all whom, t may concern:

Beit known that I, CHARLES F. HOPEWELL,

of Cambridge, county of Middlesex, State of Massachusetts,have invented an Improvement i in Electric Switches, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like characters on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to an electric switch which is especially designed for use in connection with trolley signaling apparatus employed for electric streetrailways. The switch is designed to operate a circuit leading from the trolley-wire or other current-carrying wire to a ground or other return which includes the operating electromagnet of the trolley signaling mechanism, and said switch is designed to be operated by a trolley or equivalent device passing along the wire.

The invention has for its object to construct a switch whereby the movable contact lmember of a circuit-controlling device, which device may be a circuit-closer, shall be moved into a position to close the circuit by a suitable operating device which is constructed and arranged to not only positively move said contact member to close the circuit, but also to positively hold said member in its abnormal position with the circuit closed duringV the time said operating device is returning to its normal position, said contact member resuming its normal position just as or about the time said operating device resumes its normal position; also, to providea suitable retarding device for the operating device which is adapted to be brought into action on the return movement only of said operating device,

whereby the time required for the operating device to resume its normal position is materially increased; also, to provide a lockingdjevice which positively holds the movable contact member of the circuit-controlling device in its abnormal position with the circuit closed while the operating device is resuming its normal position, the position of said locking device being controlled by said operating device; also, to provide the operating device with means for positivelyT moving the locking device into locking position in case it should fail Serial No. 176,021. (No model.)

to properly operateas intended; also, to provide means for giving to the operating device kan initial movement of, say, thirty degrees and thereafter giving to it asubsequent movement of, say, sixty degrees in continuation of said initial movement to thereby augment the movement of the operating device for purposes to be hereinafter explained; also, to so construct and arrange the parts that when two `circuit-closers are provided, as is usually the case, many of the Vparts may be common to both to thereby simplify the construction.

. Figure l shows in side elevation an electric switchV embodying this invention. Fig. 2is

shown in Fig l, taken on the dotted line 2 2. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the switch, showing the actuator and one of the circuit-controlling devices and the switch-operating.`

arranged to support the switch and its oper'- ating mechanism, with the actuator inV position to be engaged and operated by a trolley,

although if the device is to befused in connection with what is commonly'called a thirdrail system the frame will necessarily be differently constructed,'so as 4to hold the actua horizontal section of the electric switch ator in position to beffengaged by the shoe.

So far as my invention'is concerned 'the switch is adapted for either purpose, and hence herein the word trolley is intended to include its equivalent device when used in connection with a third-rail system. 1g

Z) represents the stationary Contact member of the circuit-controlling device, which is herein shown as aflat spring-acting strip or pen attached to the frame,and b -is the movable" Contact member of said circuit-controlling device, which is herein shown as an arm secured to a pivot-rod 62 and made of suitable length and so disposed that its upper end is movable into and out-of engagement with the memberl b. A weighted arm b3 is also secured to said pivot-rod Z22, which normallyrrestsupon a stop t beneath one edge of a cam-plate c. The cam# plate c constitutes the operating device for the circuit-controlling device, and` said camplate is loosely mounted on a rod or bar c and is designed to bereciprocated through an arc of ninety degrees or thereabouts. To

.give the cam-plate c a quarter-turn in one direction, said plate has formed on it a projection c2, which extends downwardly and normally occupies a position vat one' side of an upward extension d on the actuator al', which is pivoted at d2 and which is made as a bifurcated plate to straddle the trolley-wire, so as to .be engaged by a passing trolley and moved by said trolley on its pivot. As the actuator d is moved in a direction toward the right, as it will Ibe by the trolley passing in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 3, the extension d will engage the projection c2 on the cam-plate c and turn said plate on its axis a short' dis tance, and the projecting portion or edge of said plate which overlies the projection'b5 will engage said projection and move the contact member toward and into engagement with the contact member b. It may be'stated that the movement thus given tothe cam-plate by the extension d is approximately thirty d egrees, and this movement is herein referred to as the initial movement. Further movement is given to the said cam-plate c in continuation of said initial movement by means of a link f, one end of which is loosely connected to the upper end of the extension d and the other end of which is slotted, as atf, and engages a pin f 2, projecting laterally from the cam-plate. Normally the pin f2 occupies a position substantially midway the length of Ithe slot, so that theactuator d is free to move a short distance while its extension d engages and moves the cam-plate, during which time .the link moves longitudinally independent of the cam-plate; but as soonas the outer saidV projection and does not act to further move the contact member b'. Thus a quarteri During this subsequent moveturn is given to the cam-plate by two successive movements, one in continuation of the other. If the projection 02 on the cam-plate is omitted, the cam-plate will be moved by the link and the contact memberb moved. Hence I do not desire to limit my invention to the employment of both movements. I prefer to provide the initial movement in order that the actuator may be struck a sudden blow without injuring the parts, and I provide the subsequent movement in order that the retarding device (to be described) may be engaged inv such av manner that it'shall retard the return movement of the cam-plate for a longer period of time than if said subsequent movement was not provided. As the cam-plate is given a'quarter-turn and the movable contact member'moved into engagement with' the stationary contact "member the projection lb? remains in Icontinuous engagement with the lcam-plate, so that said cam-plate'positively holds said'conta'ct member in its abnormal position with the circuit closed. ,A

By so locating the slotted portion 'of the link` that the pin f2 normally occupies a position substantially midway A'the length of the slot it lwill be seen that the actuator d may be swung in a direction toward the left from a perpendicular and the link moved up a short distance and then turned -on the pin f2 as a pivot as the pivotal connection of the link, with the extension d on the actuator, passes a straight line extending from the pivot 0K2 of the actuator to the pin f2, and then said link will 'be drawn down as the actuator continues to move toward the left. rIhus a movement of the actuator in 'a direction toward the left from a perpendicular will not move'the camplate c.'

'A locking device is provided for locking the movable contact member when in engagement with the stationary contact member 6, and, as herein shown, said locking device consists of a short arm g, pivoted at g to the frame and having on its lower edge a projection g2, which is adapted to engage an arm b, projecting from the movable contact member. The locking-arml g is normally held up in a plane outor1 the path of movement of said arm b by the portion c3 of the'cam-plate, beinglield 'pressed into engagement with said -cain-plate'by a spring, although'said spring may be omitted, and as the cani-plate is turned by the actuator said portion c3 descends, and

the locking-arm, which rests upon it, follows IOO IIO

and is thereby brought into the path of movebear upon it, and the end of said arm enters a recess c", formed in said cam-plate, and by bottoming in said recess serves as a stop for the cam-plate. As the locking-arm bears upon the cam-plate, it will be seen that as the camplate returns to its normal position the locking-arm will be raised and the arm thereby disengaged, and as soon as said arm b is disengaged the movable contact member will be returned to its normal position by the weight b3.

In case thelocking-arm should not properly respond as the cam-plate moves the projecting portionc20 on the cam-plate, which forms one side of the recess 0*, will be brought into position to overlie and engage said arm, and thereby positively move it. While I prefer to employ a locking device for the movable contact member which holds it while the camplate is returning to its normal position, yet as said plate is constructed to positively hold said contact member with the circuit closed for approximately the entire return movement of the plate said locking device may be omitted. The locking device, however, holds the contact member until the cam-plate has nearly resumed its Vnormal position, when it is operated and said contact member suddenly released,which is avery desirable function.

A spring' of any suitable description, herein represented as a spiral spring L, is connected at one end to the cam-plate and at the opposite end to the frame, which serves to restore the cam-plate to its normal position.

In order that the cam-plate may return to its normal position slowly, so that the circuitcontrolling device will remain closed for a period of long duration, a retarding device is provided Jfor said cam-plate. As a retarding device for the cam-plate an escape-wheel is mounted loosely on the shaft c', and a pallet is provided which cooperates with it, and on one side of said escape-wheel a ratchetwheel i is secured which turns with the escape-wheel, and a pawl 3 is provided adapted to engage said ratchet-wheel 2, which is pivoted at 4 to the cam-plate and which is normally held out of engag'ement with the ratchetwheel by an extension 5, formed on said paw] engaging' the frame at 50 when the camplate is in its normal position; but when the cam-plate is moved a short distance the extension on the pawl will be removed from engagement with the frame, and the pawl will then be moved into engagement with the ratchet-wheel by means of a spring 7, the free end of which bears upon the pawl and the opposite end oi' which is attached to the cam-plate. The teeth of the ratchet-wheel are directed toward the right, so that as the cam-plate is given a quarter-turn in a direction toward the right the pawl will slip Jfreely over the teeth of the ratchet-wheel; but as the cam-plate returns to its normal position said pawl will engage the teeth of the ratchetwheel and the ratchet-wheel will be turned and the escape wheel correspondingly rotated. Thus the cam-plate will be retarded during its return movement.

The switch thus far described comprises a single circuit-controlling device, an operating device therefor, a locking device for the circuit-controlling device, a retarding device for the operating device, and an actuator for said operating device; but ordinarily the switch will comprise two circuit-'controlling devices, a locking device for each circuit-controlling device, and an operating device for each circuit-controlling device, although the same retarding device and the same actuator will be employed for both operating devices.

The second circuit-controlling device is made like the circuit-controlling device above described and comprises, essentially, a stationary contact member j and a movable contact member y".

7c represents the cam-plate, which serves as the operating device, which is made like the cam-plate c.

m represents the slotted link, which connects said cam-plate with an extension d on the actuator d.

a represents the ratchet-wheel, which is secured to the opposite side ofthe escape-wheel o represents the pawl, which is adapted to engage said ratchet-wheel, and p the spring, which is attached to the cam-plate and serves to restore it. The operating device or camplate k is operated by the actuator d, moving in a direction toward the left, and the operation of said plate and other parts is the same as above described.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-H 1. In an electric switch, the combination of a circuit-controlling device, an operating device therefor, an actuator for said operating device for giving it an initial movement, and a slotted link connecting said actuator with said operating device Jfor giving said operating device a subsequent movement in continuation of said initial movement, and a frame supporting the parts with the actuator in position to be engaged by a trolley, substantially as described.

2. In an electric switch, the combination of a circuit-controlling device, a cam-plate for operating it, an actuator adapted to be operated by a trolley having an extension which, when the actuator isV moved in one direction only, engages a projection on the cam-plate for giving said plate an initial movement, a slotted link connected at one end to said extension on the actuator, and at the opposite end to said cam-plate for giving said cam-plate a subsequent movement in continuation of said initial movement, substantially as described.

3.` In an electric switch, the combination of IOO IIO

. to be engaged by a trolley, substantially as described. f I p 4. In an electric switch, the combination of a circuit-controlling device comprising a stationary contact member and a movable contact member, thelatter havinga weighted arm andalso having a cam-engaging projection, a stop Aupon which said weighted arm rests, a

.cam plate for engaging said projection to move the movable contact member into engagement with the stationary cntact member and for holding said member in such a position while the cam-plate occupies its abnormal position, an actuator for said cam-plate, a retarding device for s/aid cam-plate, means for engaging said retarding device on the return movement of said cam-plate and a frame y supporting the parts with the actuator in position to be engaged bya trolley, substantially as described.

5. In an electric switch, the combination of a circuit-controlling device comprising a stationary contact member, and a movable contact member, a locking device for holdingsaid movable contact member in engagement with the stationary contact member, an operating device for said contact member, which moves it into engagement with the stationary contact member and also into engagement with the locking device, an actuator for said operating device, and a frame supporting the par ts with the actuator in position to be engaged by a trolley, substantially as described.

6. In an electricz switch, the combination of a circuit-controlling devicev comprising a stationary contact member and a movable contact member, a locking-arm for locking said movable contact member in engagement with said stationary contact member, an operating device for said contact member which governs the position of said locking-arm, an actuator for said operating device, and a frame supporting the parts with said actuator in position to be engaged by a trolley, substantially as described.

7. In an electric switch, the combination of a circuit-controlling device comprising a stationary contact member and a movable contact member, a locking-arm for locking said movable contact member in engagement with said stationary contact member, a cam-plate on which said locking-arm bears which governs its position, a projection on said movable contact member adapted to be engaged by' said cam-plate, an actuator for said cam-plate, and a frame supporting the parts with theactuator in position to be engaged by a trolley, substantially as described.

8,. In an electric switch, the combination of a circuit-controlling device, an operating device therefor, an actuator for said operating device, a locking-armfor the movable contact member of said circuit-controlling device, the position of which is governed by said operating device, an engaging portion on said operating device which strikes against the end of said locking-arm and limits its movement, substantially as described.

9. In an electric switch, the combination of a circuit-controlling device, an operating device therefor, an actuator for said operating device, a locking-arm for the movable contact member of said circuit-controlling device, the position of which is governed by said operating device, and aprojectionV on said operating device which is adapted to engage said locking-arm, substantially as described.

10. In an electric switch, the combination of a circuit-controlling device comprising a stationary contact member and a movablec'ontact member, a projection on said movable contact member, a cam-plate which engages said projection and moves said contact member into engagement with the stationary contact member, and holds it in such position, a pivoted actuator adapted to be operated by a trolley, and a slotted link connecting said cam-plate with said actuator, substantially as described. f

11. In an electric switch, a circuit-controlling' device, an'operating device therefor, an actuator, a slotted link connecting said operating device with said actuator, a retarding device for said operatingdevice, and means for engaging said retarding device on the return movement of said operating device, substantially as described.

12. In an electric switch, the combination of a circuit-controlling device, an operating device therefor, an actuator for giving to said operating device an initial movement, and a slotted link connecting said actuator with said operating device for giving to it a subsequent movement in continuation of said initial movement, a retarding device for said operating device, and means for engaging said retarding device on the return movement of said operating device, substantially as described.

13. In an electric switch, a circuit-controlling device, an operating device therefor, an actuator for giving to said operating-device an initial movement, and a slotted link connecting said actuator with said operating device for giving to it a subsequent movement in continuation of said initial movement, a pawl borne by said operating device, a ratchetwheel which it engages, an escape-wheel to IOO IIO

which said ratchet-wheel `is secured, and a pallet for said escape-Wheel, substantially as described.

11i. In an electric switch, the combination of two circuit-controlling devices, each comprising a stationary contact member and a movable contact member, a cam-engaging projection on each movable contact member, a cam-V plate for engaging each projection t0 move the movable contact member into engag'ement with the stationary contact member and for holding it in such position while the camplate occupies its abnormal position, an actuator for each cam-plate, a retarding device common to both cam-plates, and means for engaging said retarding device on the return movement of the cam-plates, substantially as described.

15. In an electric switch, the combination of two circuit-controlling devices, each comprising a stationary contact member and a movable contact member, an operating device for each movable contact member, a pivoted actuator, a slotted link connecting each operating device with an extension on the actuator and a frame for supporting the parts with the actuator in position to be engaged by a trolley, substantially as' described.

16. In an electric switch, the combination of two circuit-controlling devices, each comprising a stationary contact member and a movable contact member, a cam-plate for each movable contact member, a pivoted actuator, a slotted link connecting each cam-plate with an eX- tension on the actuator, and a frame for supporting the parts with the actuator in position to be engaged by a trolley, substantially as described.

17. In an electric switch, the combination of two circuit-controlling devices, each comprising a stationary contact member and a movable contact member, an operating device for each movable contact member, an actuator having two extensions for respectively engaging the operating devices and for giving them an initial movement, a slotted link connecting each operating device with an extension on the actuator for giving to said operating device a subsequent movement in continuation of said initial movement, and a frame for supporting the parts with the actuator in position to be engaged by a trolley, substantially as described.

18. In an electric switch, the combination of two circuit-controlling devices, each comprising a stationary contact member and a movable contact member, a locking device for each movable contact member, an operating device for each movable contact member which controls the position of the locking device therefor, an actuator for both the operating devices, a slotted link connecting each operating device with an extension on said actuator, and a frame for supporting the parts with the actuator in position to be engaged by a trolley, substantially as described.

19. In an electric switch, the combination of two circuit-controlling devices, each comprising a stationary contact member and a movable contact member, a locking-arm for each movable contact member, a cam-plate for each movable contact member which also controls the position of the locking-arm for said member, an actuator, a slotted link connecting each cam-plate with. an extension on said actuator, and a frame for supporting the parts with the actuator in position to be engaged by a trolley, substantially as described.

20. In an electric switch, the combination of two circuit-controlling devices, each comprising a stationary contact member and a movable contact member, an operating device for each movable contact member, an actuator for said operating devices, a slotted link connecting each operating device with an extension on said actuator, a retarding device common to both operating devices, and means for engaging said retarding devices on the return movement oi' the operating devices, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES F. HOPEWELL.

Witnesses:

B. J. NOYEs, H. B. DAVIS. 

